With the first day of school fast approaching, my mind is swirling with ideas I want to try this school year. Among the many ideas I am tossing around, parent and community engagement are among my top priorities. Research overwhelmingly demonstrates when parents are involved actively in their children’s schooling, their children perform better academically and socially. Research also shows when communities are involved actively in schools, schools improve tremendously, regardless of how high or low schools perform. Parental and community involvement are cost effective, immediately available mechanisms to improve student achievement and school performance.

Now is a great time for all members of the community to identify ways they can become active in their neighborhood schools. There are countless ways to become involved in schools on and off campuses. When working with community schools, education level, profession or social class should never be considered an obstacle or hindrance. There is something for any and every one interested in becoming an active volunteer in their neighborhood schools.